UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: June Issue

UoM China Newsletter - UoM China Centre Newsletter: June Issue https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ en-us 08 Jun 2026 05:46:03 CST 08 Jun 2026 05:46:03 CST https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/rss.xml Newsweaver mba@uom.ac.cn (The University of Manchester China Centre) support@newsweaver.ie (Newsweaver) 60 true Director's Message https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/8et9duo620u?lang=en&rss=true Dear Friends and Alumni, This year marks a special milestone for the University of Manchester China Centre — our 18th anniversary. Over the past month, I have been reminded once again of what makes this community so special. I had the privilege of representing the China Centre at the American Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Conference, engaging with inspiring global business leaders on the future of leadership and innovation. I also joined alumni at our MCloud Reading Series, where we explored how to sharpen critical thinking and maintain human creativity in the age of AI. The highlight of the month is attendance of the UK alumni employability forum jointly hosted by British Council and British Consulate-General Shanghai, feature a special address by UK Minister Olivia Bailey. Across Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hefei and beyond, I witnessed familiar faces reconnecting, new friendships forming, and meaningful conversations taking place. Alumni came together to exchange insights on career transformation, financial innovation, lifelong learning, and the capabilities that will matter most in an increasingly dynamic world. This is the Manchester community we have built over the past 18 years — a network of more than 3,000 alumni in China who are intellectually curious, globally minded, and deeply connected through shared values and experiences. As we step into June, we are delighted to welcome Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, together with Panos Sousounis, Associate Dean for International, to Shanghai. Their visit reflects the University’s continued commitment to strengthening connections with our students, alumni, partners and wider community across China. Meanwhile, applications for the Global Part-time MBA July 2026 intake are entering the final stage. For those considering the next step in their personal and professional development, I warmly invite you to discover what 18 years of community-building, global perspectives and lifelong learning can offer. As we celebrate this milestone year, I would like to thank every student, alumnus, partner, colleague and friend who has been part of our journey. The China Centre’s story has always been about people — and together, we will continue to build bridges between Manchester, China and the world. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events. Warm regards, Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST 1b00cbfaa14b42d9abd4a793748dba2e Feature Article Dear Friends and Alumni,   This year marks a special milestone for the University of Manchester China Centre — our 18th anniversary.   Over the past month, I have been reminded once again of what makes this community so special. I had the privilege of representing the China Centre at the American Chamber of Commerce Women’s Leadership Conference, engaging with inspiring global business leaders on the future of leadership and innovation. I also joined alumni at our MCloud Reading Series, where we explored how to sharpen critical thinking and maintain human creativity in the age of AI. The highlight of the month is attendance of the UK alumni employability forum jointly hosted by British Council and British Consulate-General Shanghai, feature a special address by UK Minister Olivia Bailey.   Across Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, Hefei and beyond, I witnessed familiar faces reconnecting, new friendships forming, and meaningful conversations taking place. Alumni came together to exchange insights on career transformation, financial innovation, lifelong learning, and the capabilities that will matter most in an increasingly dynamic world.   This is the Manchester community we have built over the past 18 years — a network of more than 3,000 alumni in China who are intellectually curious, globally minded, and deeply connected through shared values and experiences.   As we step into June, we are delighted to welcome Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, together with Panos Sousounis, Associate Dean for International, to Shanghai. Their visit reflects the University’s continued commitment to strengthening connections with our students, alumni, partners and wider community across China.   Meanwhile, applications for the Global Part-time MBA July 2026 intake are entering the final stage. For those considering the next step in their personal and professional development, I warmly invite you to discover what 18 years of community-building, global perspectives and lifelong learning can offer.   As we celebrate this milestone year, I would like to thank every student, alumnus, partner, colleague and friend who has been part of our journey. The China Centre’s story has always been about people — and together, we will continue to build bridges between Manchester, China and the world.   I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events.   Warm regards,   Dr Sherry Fu Founding Director & Managing Director The University of Manchester China Centre https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/d0/3022c219cc6dc5567bcef6.jpg 2026 Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition — UK Region Opens: RMB 100K Grand Prize Fast Track https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/pqrn05buy7g?lang=en&rss=true UoM China Centre is organising the 2026 Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition（UK Region). The competition is open to all our students and alumni, including those based in the UK and those who have returned to China. This event is jointly promoted by multiple organisations, including Manchester Chinese Students & Scholars Association, Manchester Youth, UoM China Alumni Association, and UoM Alumni Association Shanghai Chapter. Key details: • Recruitment: Open now – 10 June 2026 • Preliminary online pitches: 24–25 June 2026 Competition Tracks • Integrated Circuits • Biotech & Life Sciences • Artificial Intelligence • Green & Low-Carbon Tech • Advanced Manufacturing • Premium Consumer & Lifestyle Tech Regional prizes up to RMB 7,000, plus a fast track to the Shanghai global finals. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST b4621a8bbea3825a79caf912f20f6741 Feature Article UoM China Centre is organising the 2026 Global Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition（UK Region). The competition is open to all our students and alumni, including those based in the UK and those who have returned to China. This event is jointly promoted by multiple organisations, including Manchester Chinese Students & Scholars Association, Manchester Youth, UoM China Alumni Association, and UoM Alumni Association Shanghai Chapter.    Key details: •    Recruitment: Open now – 10 June 2026 •    Preliminary online pitches: 24–25 June 2026 Competition Tracks •    Integrated Circuits •    Biotech & Life Sciences •    Artificial Intelligence •    Green & Low-Carbon Tech •    Advanced Manufacturing •    Premium Consumer & Lifestyle Tech Regional prizes up to RMB 7,000, plus a fast track to the Shanghai global finals. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/23/46bc82c51fcb41a69f5eed.jpeg https://uom.ac.cn/events/detail/959 Last Chance to Join Manchester Global MBA — July 2026 Intake https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/c9uyjpar5oa?lang=en&rss=true The final application window for the Manchester Global Part-time MBA July 2026 intake is now open. Delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School — triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and ranked in the top 1% of business schools globally — this programme is built for ambitious professionals who refuse to pause their careers. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST 536b0d92be083d7bc9760f1611f97bf0 Feature Article The final application window for the Manchester Global Part-time MBA July 2026 intake is now open. Delivered by Alliance Manchester Business School — triple-accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and ranked in the top 1% of business schools globally — this programme is built for ambitious professionals who refuse to pause their careers. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/af/bac435c50c2c224afc2e1b.png https://uom.ac.cn/programmes/manchester_en 4 June, Beijing | Career Advancement & Leadership Breakthrough in a Global Context https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ou9qrmw6hts?lang=en&rss=true In an era of unprecedented change, experienced professionals face a critical question: how do you evolve from experience-driven leadership to systematic capability-building, and from a local mindset to a global perspective? The University of Manchester Global Part-time MBA / EMBA — with over 3,000 alumni in China — is designed to answer exactly that. On Thursday, 4 June, Dr. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of UoM China Centre, and Mr. Li Fajin, an expert in business education and leadership development, will host a face-to-face dialogue in Beijing on “Career Leap & Leadership Breakthrough Through a Global Lens.” What to Expect Strategic career pivots in a globalised business environment The journey from local excellence to global leadership How a part-time MBA accelerates leadership transformation 04 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST 3fdc2f3a82e3c1aac1b45b46a61f4992 Upcoming Events In an era of unprecedented change, experienced professionals face a critical question: how do you evolve from experience-driven leadership to systematic capability-building, and from a local mindset to a global perspective? The University of Manchester Global Part-time MBA / EMBA — with over 3,000 alumni in China — is designed to answer exactly that. On Thursday, 4 June, Dr. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of UoM China Centre, and Mr. Li Fajin, an expert in business education and leadership development, will host a face-to-face dialogue in Beijing on “Career Leap & Leadership Breakthrough Through a Global Lens.” What to Expect <ul data-spread="false"> <li>Strategic career pivots in a globalised business environment</li> <li>The journey from local excellence to global leadership</li> <li>How a part-time MBA accelerates leadership transformation</li> </ul> https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/8c/464505052cf67b7c5d06ee.png https://uom.ac.cn/events/detail/964 8 June | Sign up for the Manchester Global Executive MBA Webinar https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/ef1rtz6msde?lang=en&rss=true One Global Executive MBA. Five global hubs. A truly international experience. Join the online information session for the Manchester Global (Executive) MBA on 8 June, 8 PM (China Time) and hear directly from Xavier Duran, MBA Programme Director at Alliance Manchester Business School. You will also hear from Randa Bessiso, Founding Director and CEO of The University of Manchester - Dubai, Dr Sherry Fu, Managing Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, Olivia Chan, Director East Asia of The University of Manchester East Asia Centre, Bee Ing, Regional Director of Manchester Worldwide (S.E. Asia), and Ekaterina Clarke, MBA & Global Programmes Marketing & Recruitment Manager, Alliance Manchester Business School to give you a comprehensive view on how this programme operates on a global scale. The Global (Executive) MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking international exposure, including the opportunity to travel with their closed cohort across our global centres/branches, flexible blended learning, and the opportunity to connect with senior leaders from more than 30 nationalities across The University of Manchester’s worldwide network. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST 9ef518398451d7fc806a007e535c3a2e Upcoming Events One Global Executive MBA. Five global hubs. A truly international experience.   Join the online information session for the Manchester Global (Executive) MBA on 8 June, 8 PM (China Time) and hear directly from Xavier Duran, MBA Programme Director at Alliance Manchester Business School.   You will also hear from Randa Bessiso, Founding Director and CEO of The University of Manchester - Dubai, Dr Sherry Fu, Managing Director of The University of Manchester China Centre, Olivia Chan, Director East Asia of The University of Manchester East Asia Centre, Bee Ing, Regional Director of Manchester Worldwide (S.E. Asia), and Ekaterina Clarke, MBA & Global Programmes Marketing & Recruitment Manager, Alliance Manchester Business School to give you a comprehensive view on how this programme operates on a global scale.   The Global (Executive) MBA is designed for ambitious professionals seeking international exposure, including the opportunity to travel with their closed cohort across our global centres/branches, flexible blended learning, and the opportunity to connect with senior leaders from more than 30 nationalities across The University of Manchester’s worldwide network. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/e9/7c69494d5cbf632d12ec18.png https://uom.ac.cn/events/detail/967 11 June, Shanghai | Global MBA Alumni Sharing: From CFO to CEO: Expanding Capabilities and Upgrading Leadership Mindset https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1udueyu3sj7?lang=en&rss=true In today’s complex and fast-changing business environment, an increasing number of finance leaders are asking themselves an important question: how can they evolve from being functional experts into true business leaders? The transition from CFO to CEO is not simply a change in title, it requires a fundamental shift in the way one views business operations, organisational leadership, and growth. Beyond solid financial expertise, it demands strategic thinking, leadership capability, and the ability to drive business development from a broader organisational perspective. On 11 June, the University of Manchester China Centre is delighted to invite alumnus Mr. Allen Zhang to deliver a special sharing session titled: From CFO to CEO: Expanding Capabilities and Upgrading Leadership Mindset. Mr. Allen Zhang currently serves as Board Member & CEO, East Asia, Chairman of East Asia Management Board, Wanzl Group. Drawing on his own career journey from financial management to corporate leadership, he will share practical insights and key reflections on navigating the transition from finance executive to business leader. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST ab4fff53f1bdb2212b341a18c38b8e2c Upcoming Events In today’s complex and fast-changing business environment, an increasing number of finance leaders are asking themselves an important question: how can they evolve from being functional experts into true business leaders?   The transition from CFO to CEO is not simply a change in title, it requires a fundamental shift in the way one views business operations, organisational leadership, and growth. Beyond solid financial expertise, it demands strategic thinking, leadership capability, and the ability to drive business development from a broader organisational perspective.   On 11 June, the University of Manchester China Centre is delighted to invite alumnus Mr. Allen Zhang to deliver a special sharing session titled: From CFO to CEO: Expanding Capabilities and Upgrading Leadership Mindset.   Mr. Allen Zhang currently serves as Board Member & CEO, East Asia, Chairman of East Asia Management Board, Wanzl Group. Drawing on his own career journey from financial management to corporate leadership, he will share practical insights and key reflections on navigating the transition from finance executive to business leader. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/41/c3075e06d7c7270a066a13.png https://uom.ac.cn/events/detail/962 11 June, Masterclass | Understanding China’s IPO Market through Research-Driven Insights https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1khldtxdser?lang=en&rss=true As China’s capital market continues to evolve, IPO opportunities and challenges are reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurs and investors alike. How can data and research support better investment and strategic decisions in today’s dynamic market environment? On Wednesday, 11 June at 19:00, Professor Arif Khurshed from Alliance Manchester Business School will join the University of Manchester China Centre WeChat Channel for a live online session: Inside the Chinese IPO Market: Research-Driven Insights for Entrepreneurs and Investors. During the session, you will learn: Latest trends in China’s IPO market Research-driven approaches to investment decision-making Key issues for entrepreneurs and investors Introduction to the part-time MSc Financial Management programme at Manchester We look forward to welcoming you online. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST cf070842e259e6b1f3a3fe838f325409 Upcoming Events As China’s capital market continues to evolve, IPO opportunities and challenges are reshaping the landscape for entrepreneurs and investors alike. How can data and research support better investment and strategic decisions in today’s dynamic market environment? On Wednesday, 11 June at 19:00, Professor Arif Khurshed from Alliance Manchester Business School will join the University of Manchester China Centre WeChat Channel for a live online session: Inside the Chinese IPO Market: Research-Driven Insights for Entrepreneurs and Investors. During the session, you will learn: <ul> <li style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Latest trends in China’s IPO market</li> <li style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Research-driven approaches to investment decision-making</li> <li style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Key issues for entrepreneurs and investors</li> <li style="font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Introduction to the part-time MSc Financial Management programme at Manchester</li> </ul> We look forward to welcoming you online. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/74/58a7851858c17870cf226a.png https://uom.ac.cn/events/detail/965 May in Motion: Thriving Through AI Disruption https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/k9o5i3ehrtf?lang=en&rss=true May’s events all centred on one urgent question: How do we stay relevant as AI reshapes every industry? We began at AMCham’s Women Leadership Event, where Dr. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, joined the panel discussion while the Centre hosted a booth, connecting with the international business community during a vibrant season of exchange. This month, AI strategist and thought leader Xueping Chen also challenged us with the idea of “AI Compression” — and the urgency to transform before being transformed. At our joint event with ACCA, Jason Ma, Finance Head and alumnus of our MSc Financial Management programme, shared with ACCA members how AI is reshaping finance functions, linking naturally to our Finance Accelerated MBA and MSc Financial Management programmes. Later in the month, we visited ByteDance (TikTok)’s Hefei office, where alumnus and Global MBA student Songyan Li shared insights on building AI-driven content platforms. We closed May with David Ries, European market expansion specialist, who offered practical perspectives on entering European markets and turning data into products. From women in leadership to AI transformation and global expansion, the conversations throughout May reflected one clear theme: the need to adapt, lead and grow with a global perspective. Manchester’s global, part-time MBA is built for exactly this moment. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST aeee3175b1b9ea92b0aa1fc56de2b9ba Events Review May’s events all centred on one urgent question: How do we stay relevant as AI reshapes every industry?   We began at AMCham’s Women Leadership Event, where Dr. Sherry Fu, Founding Director of the China Centre, joined the panel discussion while the Centre hosted a booth, connecting with the international business community during a vibrant season of exchange.   This month, AI strategist and thought leader Xueping Chen also challenged us with the idea of “AI Compression” — and the urgency to transform before being transformed.   At our joint event with ACCA, Jason Ma, Finance Head and alumnus of our MSc Financial Management programme, shared with ACCA members how AI is reshaping finance functions, linking naturally to our Finance Accelerated MBA and MSc Financial Management programmes.   Later in the month, we visited ByteDance (TikTok)’s Hefei office, where alumnus and Global MBA student Songyan Li shared insights on building AI-driven content platforms.   We closed May with David Ries, European market expansion specialist, who offered practical perspectives on entering European markets and turning data into products.   From women in leadership to AI transformation and global expansion, the conversations throughout May reflected one clear theme: the need to adapt, lead and grow with a global perspective.   Manchester’s global, part-time MBA is built for exactly this moment. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/1d/a5d1b12e3c5ba75e59ea8b.png MCloud Reading Recap: From Using AI to Transcending AI https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/vb4tptj19bp?lang=en&rss=true The Manchester alumni community recently came together for an afternoon centred on one timely question: what remains uniquely human in an AI-driven world? Bestselling author Qian Ziyan — former CFO of a US-listed electronics group and author of 36 Thinking Tools to Navigate the AI Era — led the discussion. Dr. Sherry Fu, Director of the China Centre, opened the session and guided the conversation, joined by Ms. Wen Shi, Manchester GMBA alumna and founder of Pearl Lady, who brought valuable perspectives from both business and entrepreneurship. Qian’s message was clear: while AI brings extraordinary computational power, the human mind remains our greatest advantage. Through 36 thinking frameworks across five dimensions — wisdom, transformation, meaning, emotional connection and curiosity — he shared practical tools for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST b954ecb99d69eea6e1dbd61d3708820e Career and Alumni Events The Manchester alumni community recently came together for an afternoon centred on one timely question: what remains uniquely human in an AI-driven world?   Bestselling author Qian Ziyan — former CFO of a US-listed electronics group and author of 36 Thinking Tools to Navigate the AI Era — led the discussion. Dr. Sherry Fu, Director of the China Centre, opened the session and guided the conversation, joined by Ms. Wen Shi, Manchester GMBA alumna and founder of Pearl Lady, who brought valuable perspectives from both business and entrepreneurship.   Qian’s message was clear: while AI brings extraordinary computational power, the human mind remains our greatest advantage. Through 36 thinking frameworks across five dimensions — wisdom, transformation, meaning, emotional connection and curiosity — he shared practical tools for staying ahead in a rapidly changing world. https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/bb/e862e10351a0cd44d776b3.png UoM China Centre Alumni Company Visit | Maison La Prairie https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/mbschinanewsletter/1due7phfsxm?lang=en&rss=true In 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre proudly celebrates its 18th anniversary. To mark this milestone, we are launching the “18th Anniversary Alumni Company Visit Series” — a programme designed to provide alumni with first-hand insights into how sustainability and innovation are shaping different industries, while strengthening connections across our global Manchester community. Coinciding with World Environment Day, the first visit in the series will take place at Maison La Prairie, Shanghai. The visit will explore how a leading luxury beauty brand integrates sustainability into its brand philosophy, customer experience and business practices. 01 Jun 2026 12:00:00 CST fee066e537daee052f19654fc92b06b1 Career and Alumni Events In 2026, the University of Manchester China Centre proudly celebrates its 18th anniversary. To mark this milestone, we are launching the “18th Anniversary Alumni Company Visit Series” — a programme designed to provide alumni with first-hand insights into how sustainability and innovation are shaping different industries, while strengthening connections across our global Manchester community.   Coinciding with World Environment Day, the first visit in the series will take place at Maison La Prairie, Shanghai. The visit will explore how a leading luxury beauty brand integrates sustainability into its brand philosophy, customer experience and business practices.  https://mbschina.newsweaver.com/v3files/shard1/60085/ed/d7afe508ca9f8e024fca51.png https://www.uom.ac.cn/events/detail/968